Out of Mind (Out of Line #3)(52)
Author: Jen McLaughlin

“I-I don’t know,” I said quickly, looking around. “I thought they h-had you.”

“No, they had Hernandez. I already saved him, though. I saw him get taken. I almost missed it, but when I looked away from you two…I saw Hernandez.” He let go of the guy, and his lifeless body slumped to the ground. “Then he was gone, so I followed him.”

I let out a sigh of relief. Finn was okay. So were we. It was over. But this whole thing felt fake, as if it were a dream.

Finn stood up and came around us, punching the other guy in the face. He slumped over, too, knocked out cold, and Riley let go of his arms, his face pinched tight in anger. “Thanks, man.”

“It’s nothing,” Finn said, reaching into the van and pulling out some rope. I’d known he was lethal, but seeing him in action again was both frightening and yet…somewhat hot. Knowing he could save me from anyone or anything made me all warm and gooey inside. “I was here. Carrie? Are you okay?”

I nodded. “Y-Yes.”

He’d never let me down again, and I knew it.

His gaze scanned over me. He opened the van and pulled out rope, tying the kidnappers’ feet and hands together effortlessly. It wasn’t until he opened the van that I saw another guy in there, also hogtied. He was awake now. “Did they hurt you?”

“N-No. They cut Riley, though.” I looked at Riley. I was still holding his hand, but he seemed to need it, so I didn’t let go. He looked shaken up. “We’re okay. I thought they had you.”

He snorted. “But they didn’t. They’d never have gotten me. I’m surprised they got Hernandez. He must have been distracted by something.”

Marie came running up, out of breath. “Is everything okay? I was on the phone with Hernandez, fighting with him over whether he was able to find you, and then he was gone. It sounded like…” Her eyes went wide. “Why are there two unconscious dudes on the ground?”

“We were almost kidnapped, and they knocked out Hernandez.” When Marie paled, I quickly added, “We’re all fine, though. It was over before it started because of Finn.”

Marie looked horrified. “Oh my God. Are you okay?”

“Yes. I am, I swear.”

Looking in the van, she nodded distractedly. “Where is he? Where’s Hernandez?”

“I left him in Islands after I found him unconscious. He’s probably awake by now.” Finn looked up from his position on the ground. “You can go check on him, if you’d like.”

Marie took off without a backward glance.

“Thank you, Finn,” Riley said again, stepping forward. He still didn’t drop my hand. “You saved us.”

Finn finished tying up the first suspect, stood up, and went to the second. “It’s nothing, man.” He looked at me before quickly glancing away. “Absolutely nothing.”

I let go of Riley when my phone rang. “It’s my dad. How does he know already?”

“Hernandez called him, I bet.” Finn looked at me and nodded. “Answer it. Tell him what happened. I’m going to stand guard till the cops get here in case there are more of these ass**les out here.”

I picked up the phone, and instantly my dad started. “Who is this? Give me back my baby girl or I’ll—”

“It’s me. I’m okay. I’m safe. We’re all safe,” I said, not bothering with small talk. The world started spinning, as if I’d forgotten to breathe or something. “Finn was here with Riley and me, and he saved us.”

Dad was silent for a second. “Who did this to you?”

“I have no idea, but Finn tied up the suspects, so I’m assuming the cops can find out.” I took a shaky breath, trying not to break down now that it was all said and done. Funny, I didn’t feel scared before, but now? I was literally falling apart. As a matter of fact, I just might faint. Funny. I’d never done that before. “Finn was here, so he took care of it. And we’re okay. We’re all okay. O-Okay.”

Finn tied the man’s arms together, his gaze locked on me the whole time. “Riley, hug her or I will. She’s going in to shock and needs comfort. Comfort her.”

Riley hesitated. “Dude, we’re not—”

“I don’t give a shit,” Finn growled. “Just f**king do it already, man.”

“Okay,” Riley said, pulling me into his arms and kissing my temple. “It’s okay. We’re here. We’re fine.”

I just stared straight ahead, not sure what to say or do. It was like I was broken. I held the phone to my ear still, and Dad kept talking, asking a million questions, but I couldn’t make a sound.

Finn reached out for my cheek, but then pulled back. After a low curse, he said, “It’s okay. You’ll be all right.” Finn took the phone from my hand. “Sir, she’s in shock right now and can’t talk, but she’s okay. There were three suspects that I took care of. I’m keeping an eye out for others, but there’s no sign of any.” Sirens sounded in the distance. “The cops are almost here. I called them after I got the first guy, as I searched for Carrie.” He was quiet. “Yes, sir. He was with her.” Another pause. “No, sir. He’s fine. So is she.” He blinked. “I’m fine too, sir. So is Hernandez.” He nodded. “I’ll let her know to expect you.” He hung up and put my phone in his pocket. “Your dad is on his way.”

I nodded. Or at least I think I did. I tried to say something, anything, but nothing came out. My mouth just opened and closed. Finn stepped forward, his eyes on me, but then he stopped. His fist unfurled, curled again, and he turned away. “She’s still freaking out. You need to calm her the f**k down, Riley. Come on.”

“Shh, you’re okay.” Riley hugged me closer. Police cars rolled into the parking lot, screeching to a halt by us. I barely noticed them. “What happens now?”

“Police will want statements and all that, but once they’re done, you go home and let them do their jobs.” Finn tugged on his hair, still watching me. “She’s not f**king okay, damn it. Fix it!”

Riley let go of me, making an angry sound. “Maybe you should try to fix her. You’re the one she loves! She probably just needs you.”

“She doesn’t—” Finn shook his head and growled. “Fuck it. Come here, Ginger.”

He yanked me into his arms. He hugged me so tight I could barely breathe…and yet suddenly, I could. I clung to him, releasing a sob. “I-I was…so scared, Finn.”